THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Skip long connections with Makers Air’s direct FXE–SML flights: quick check-in at Fort Lauderdale Executive and a plane that taxis to U.S. Customs on return make this the fastest route to Long Island, Bahamas. Ideal for anglers, divers, and anyone who wants to maximize island time.
Skip long connections with Makers Air’s direct FXE–SML flights: quick check-in at Fort Lauderdale Executive and a plane that taxis to U.S. Customs on return make this the fastest route to Long Island, Bahamas. Ideal for anglers, divers, and anyone who wants to maximize island time.
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Operated by Makers Air · Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Flying from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) to Stella Maris on Long Island, Bahamas, feels less like a trip and more like a threshold crossed. Makers Air runs direct scheduled charters between FXE and Stella Maris Long Island (SML), turning what can be a full-day logistics chore into a straightforward hour-plus hop. The meeting point is FXE, a compact general aviation field in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Makers Air’s valet parking and ticketed baggage allowance (up to 40 lbs per passenger) make arriving by car as simple as stepping onto the next leg of your journey.
Why this flight matters to outdoor travelers: Stella Maris sits on the eastern shore of Long Island, a place best known for bonefishing flats, wide white-sand beaches, and Dean’s Blue Hole—the world’s second deepest ocean sinkhole nearby—that drops into cobalt water visible from aerial approaches. The route links South Florida’s easy access to the Bahamas with small-airport convenience; on return to FXE, the aircraft taxis directly to U.S. Customs, shortening re-entry to mainland travel time and minimizing airport friction for hurried anglers, divers, or families.
Practical details are clear and strict: check in 60 minutes before departure and be at the gate no later than 20 minutes prior, with a valid passport required. Makers Air allows up to 40 pounds checked per ticket and offers complimentary valet parking; excess baggage is charged and not guaranteed to travel. Pets travel for a minimum fee or by pound, and agricultural items are forbidden unless you hold a Bahamas Agriculture Permit. For residents and visitors, Bahamas Customs now requires certain digital forms via the Exempt app—plan ahead.
What makes Makers Air a standout here is the focus on speed without sacrificing the island experience: small aircraft mean views of coral shoals, rumpled marshes, and the long coastline of Long Island before you touch down close to local lodges. This service is especially useful for anglers chasing bonefish flats, divers bound for Blue Hole excursions, or anyone wanting to maximize island time without multiple connections.
Plan to bring a passport, receipts for any unaccompanied items, any required agriculture permits, and a small soft-sided bag that fits weight limits. Be mindful that missed check-in windows are nonrefundable; Makers Air disclaims liability for weather or mechanical delays affecting onward plans. For independent travelers who prize time on the water over time in terminals, this direct FXE–SML link is a practical, fast route to the Bahamas’ quieter southern islands. Expect small-airport informality, helpful local operators on arrival, and nearby lodgings such as Stella Maris Resort and local guesthouses; plan fishing charters or a diving day around tidal charts and local guides to make the most of a short island stay possible.
All passengers must check in a minimum of 60 minutes before scheduled departure; flights close 20 minutes prior.
Each ticketed passenger may check up to 40 lbs of baggage inclusive of personal items; excess baggage fees apply and carriage is not guaranteed.
Yes. A valid passport is required for travel to and from the United States and the Bahamas.
Makers Air will transport pets for a minimum fee of $35 or $2.00 per pound, whichever is greater, and permits may apply.
No—fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, flowers or plants are prohibited unless you possess a Bahamas Agriculture Permit.
On return to FXE the aircraft taxis directly to U.S. Customs to streamline re-entry; customs processing times still apply.
Makers Air is a Fort Lauderdale, Florida–based regional airline that operates scheduled and charter flights between Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) and multiple Bahamian destinations. The airline offers a mix of nonstop scheduled services and private charter options that connect travelers to islands including Chub Cay (CCZ), Staniel Cay (TYM), San Andros (SAQ), Congo Town (COX), Fresh Creek (ASD), Governor’s Harbour (GHB), and Great Harbour Cay (GHC). Makers Air emphasizes convenience and a boutique travel experience: many routes are marketed as quick nonstop flights (often around 60 minutes or under two hours depending on route), private-terminal departures at FXE, and straightforward online booking. Passengers are advised to arrive about 60 minutes before departure and travel with a passport for international clearance. Specific services referenced in route details include weekly flights for Chub Cay and daily service to Fresh Creek, as well as a cozy Cessna experience on some island departures. For travelers booking private charters, the experience can include lounge amenities through Ascend’s facilities, with complimentary valet, fresh foods, and outdoor lounging mentioned for pre‑ or post‑flight comfort. Makers Air positions its flights as a practical link between South Florida and the Bahamas for travelers seeking direct, time-efficient connections, private-terminal convenience, and both scheduled and charter options. All booking details, route availability, and specific flight timings should be confirmed directly with Makers Air at the time of reservation.
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